Having your car breakdown(on and off the road) is never a fun time. It does happen, and you need to be prepared for it. One way you can prepare is to avoid having a breakdown altogether. Avoiding a possible breakdown includes knowing what can or will cause a potential breakdown.
1)Battery Issues
Say, for example, that you are not able to start your car. That means there is a problem with the battery. You could have a flat battery( which is when the battery dims after leaving them on after you have shut down the car).
You could also have a battery that is no longer good. A few things to look for include leaving the lights on when the car is off(even for a short period), a bad component, and old age.
A good rule of thumb is to replace the battery every 3-4 years. A family member told me that she went a good five years without needing to change it, but she does not recommend you do that. She agreed that 3-4 years is a good rule of thumb. Your battery might start having issues on the road if you forget to replace the battery. You could also invest in a battery charger and maintainer.
Say, for example, that you do breakdown in a remote area due to a flat or damaged battery. You can invest in a remote area breakdown guide. The guide will give you assistance on what to do if you do find yourself in that position.
2)Keys
Losing your keys is another common cause with car breakdowns. I lost my car keys at least once, in the past. It took me forever to get back home. You need to make a spare key and keep it on you at all times. It is not going to do you much good if you are n I-4 in Orlando, Florida, and the key is at home in Orange City. Florida.
The newer models have a microchip inside which prevents your car from being stolen or compromised. According to one mechanic, lost or stolen keys are one of the top causes of a car breakdown. He sees it all the time. You will either have to visit a nearby mechanic( if you can find one) or call someone for help.
3)Tires and Wheels
Your tire could have a small puncture(on the outside) which has now worked its way inside. A puncture(of any size) could lead to a blowout later. You could be driving down the highway and your tire blows( been there, done that). It is not fun.
Other reasons why your tire could be damaged include old age and tire tread( even if your tire is still legally driveable), the tire and rim have gone their separate ways, or the valve is failing. The valve sometimes fails when you pump air. You might hit a pothole and think nothing of it. You might be able to drive it, but your car has been damaged. You can learn how to change a flat tyre(without calling someone to help).
4)The Oil
You might be using too much or too little of the wrong oil. You could be driving down the highway and your car burns out. That is due to lack of oil. Look at your vehicle handbook because it is there for a reason. The handbook will tell you which oil to use and how much. Check your oil with the dipstick.
5)The Alternator
Do you experience frequent diming with your lights? Does your car seem to idle often? Your alternator could be faulty. Did your ignition “warning” light come on while the temperature started to rise? You have a serious problem then. The belt that wraps around the pump has probably broken.
You need to stop(no matter what) and call someone for help, like roadside assistance. It is a good idea to check your alternator before you begin any trip.
6)The Start Motor
The starter motor is going to fall apart, eventually. That is why you need to have your car checked out by maintenance regularly. That way they can fix the problem before it begins.
The last thing you want is to drive down a major highway and have your car break down in the middle of heavy traffic. You might accidentally cause an accident as your car breaks down.